Bringing a giggle to the heart of God

Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. - Psalms 40:10

When I was young, i would help my dad my dad DYI our house. I wanted to build a back porch or pant a room. Instead my dad would have me sit and hold a hammer, while occasionally handing him the water jug. As a child with A.D.D. An over active imagination it was boring. No, it was torture. I felt like a slave. I did not have much to do and I wanted to do so much more. I enjoyed doing stuff with dad yet felt underwhelmed and disconnected. I knew i could please him more if he would only let me swing a hammer. Many times I would become frustrated. I was striving to work more for my father than he wanted me to. Out of frustration I would try something, rash and mess up a day’s work. He would remind me I was there for him and ask me to get him some more water. For me, it was waited time for Dad it was time well spent. My desire to do something made my slavish chains of boredom ring in my ears often drowning out the stories Dad told about when he was a boy. Looking back I long for those days of holding his water and fetching a hammer but most of all I miss the stories.

Being and Doing
In our spiritual life, we can get ahead of God’s work in our lives and begin to do for him and forget to be with him. Our first calling as Christians is to love the Lord your God. We are to lovingly wait on him until he says “fetch me the hammer”. It is in simple obedience that we enter into co-operation with our heavenly Father. If we focus on the doing we miss what makes such times special, the relationship we have with him. The irony is without His presence, our work is a fruitless mess, without his being, his abiding, our work is like digging a hole in a lake.

It took 10 years of following Christ to learn this truth. I know now I am not God’s publicist. He does not need me to make him look good. I am not Middle Management is God's company. He does not need me to get others to work for him. I am not in God's labor force. He does not need my work to accomplish his task. Yet as a child, abiding, being, living in Him, I will spread his fame, inspire others, and build his kingdom as a produce of faithful abiding and heartfelt adoring. Being alway comes before doing.

We should remember, when God is working it is best to let him do the work. He can do the best job. Yes, it is boring. Yet waiting on God is about full engagement not doing for him. We may hear the ring of boredom but he sees it as time with his child. We are getting time to get to know him. I did not see that while I was dad’s little helper. He just wanted to be near me. My father wanted me to sit and wait on him because he loves me and enjoyed our time together. In the same way God enjoys us. When we fully engage in relationship with him, place our expectations aside, enjoying the reality of communion. In this we enter life with him, the abiding life.

Doing everything but life
Many Christians have a doing addiction. All they know is how to do for God. They can’t just be with God. It is unsettling; something eats at them demanding they do something for their relationship is unstable without it. The deep demand of duty reveals a deeper need for the gospel. It is in the gospel that we rest in Christ’s work and enjoy the relationship He won for us. When we stop all our doing and reveres the order, I believe that bringing a giggle to the heart of God. Being always comes before doing.

When we let go of our desire to do and open our hearts to just be, life takes on a new dimension. Our vision shifts from our work to His greatness. Our Father is bigger than our doing. He is greater than one hundred generations. He holds history as a fine worked sculpture, the cosmos as pebble in his palm.

God wants us to fellowship with him; depend on him, like a child would its father. He wants children more than worker; children who occasionally act as his instruments but always cry “abba” like his child. As we rest in him – ministry is just obedience, and life just fellowship. It is through such simple obedience and unending fellowship that history has been shaped. Those who first learn to be with God and not just do for him become history makers.

He is the artist, we are the brushes. He makes history we just get to help. We get to finger paint our part in the epic grand narrative. One fine day, we will looking back from the eternal shore and see it all so clearly. We will see that in being with God we were molded by him, and thought the journey we were both the produce and the instrument in the hands of the redeemer. Yet, in this moment, under the strapping of time and breath, we enjoy life together with God and it is together we mold life into history as we move through it.

You can fake it but you can’t make it. I need not do for him if I am not abiding with him by faith. I am only asked to enjoy the fruit of faith in the gospel; life with my heavenly Father. If I am his desired instrument for his desired season it is only for a season. Yet for eternity, I will always be his child.

Being with God, for the sake of God, by the work of God, brings a giggle to the heart of God.


In Him
J. Dawson Jarrell

Personality and the Spiritual Disciplines

After having a conversation with friends about personality and spiritual development I dusted off some old notes and took another look at how personality traits and temperament influence our spiritual disciplines (prayer and bible study etc.).[1]

Understanding Myers-Briggs
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a helpful tool for grasping the effect that personality has on our life with God. Basic to this approach, is the idea of preference. Robert Kaplan and Dennis Saccuzzo believe "the underlying assumption of the MBTI is that we all have specific preferences in the way we construe our experiences, and these preferences underlie our interests, needs, values, and motivation" [2] Just as we tend to favor either the right or left hand, so too we exhibit a particular direction in the way we view life, God, and therefore, spirituality.

Myers-Briggs is comprised of 8 preferences in pairs on a sliding scale
E - I extroversion ----- introversion
S - N sensing ------ intuition
T - F thinking ----- feeling
J - P judging ----- perceiving

The first and last pairs are called attitudes because they represent the orientation of the individual in regard to the world and where they gain energy and motivation.

E – extrovert: stimulated by the outer world of people and things
I – introvert: derives energy from the inner world of ideas, concepts, feelings, and spirit

J – judging: primarily concerned with how things should be.
P – perceiving: primarily concerned with how things are.

The middle pairs of preferences are called functions. They have to do with the method one uses to relate to the world or to oneself.

S – sensing: concentrates on what is available to the senses (visible, audible, etc.)
N – intuitive: concentrates on the inner sense of things

T – thinking: uses the intellect to arrive at a conclusion through reasoning
F – feeling: makes decisions based on how one feels about things

Since the Myers-Briggs is an epistemologically-based assessment. It is very helpful in the field of education. David Keirsey an educational psychologist categorized the 16 Myers-Briggs types into four major temperaments. The simplified groupings touch on the predominate way we gather and understand information as well as our general temperament in relationship to the world.



SP: The Artisans
SJ: The Guardians
NF: The Idealists
NT: The Rationals

One thing of note, Myers-Briggs is not a personality test. It is an Assessment or indicator of your preferences and personality traits that you currently hold. If used correctly it can function as a self-assessment to identify areas in which to develop. Part of Christian growth particularly in the areas of character and ones inner life (desires, and preferences) aims at becoming a whole person. Said another way, Part of holiness is whol-i-ness. Seeking wholeness is fundamental to becoming a mature human, who exhibits basic self-awareness, social and relational appreciation, natural empathy and clear headed thinking.

Christian seldom ask the question, "Which area of life do I need to work on to become a whole person?" Some people are good at being Christian but unable to spend a day in solitude, silence, and self-reflection without turning on the TV or swallowing their tongue. Others can't sustain personal relationships without becoming codependent or burning every bridge in sight. Since i am on this rant, still others are so spiritual they act like odd balls of uncomfortable awkwardness or "holier-than-thou" disfunction. Sadly the reason is because they skipped over growing as a human and ran head long into Christian experience and practice.

Assessments like the Myers-Briggs help you see yourself from a vantage point that allows the person to learn about themselves in a constructive way. This new perspective opens an avenue in which you can give all you know of yourself to all you know of God. An avenue that allows you to work on balancing overtly strong preferences with its counterpart bringing them to a balance and understand how God personally made you to most naturally engage with him.

Personality, prayer and how we most naturally engage with God.
Below are some characteristics of each Myers-Briggs type and some notes on how they will tend to experience God in prayer and in the existential aspects of spiritual life. But first, let me set the stage by introducing Lectio Divina.

Lectio Divina (“sacred reading”) is a historic, time-tested method of Scripture study and prayer dating back to the Middle Ages. (If you fundamentalists are getting nervous, go read Martin Luther’s “Letter to My Barber” and you’ll see that this is exactly what he prescribes). Here are the various aspects of practicing the Lectio Divina. They are not steps per say more aspects but many move through them in the order given.

Lectio: slow, thoughtful reading of a text of Scripture
Meditatio: welcoming this word from God into our lives; chewing and ruminating on it
Oratio: responding to God in prayer
Contemplatio: Listening to the Holy Spirit and enjoying the presence of God

NT Characteristics - The Rationals

• Logical, rational, intellectual
• Thirst for truth
• Long to understand, explain, master, excel
• Straightforward and direct
• Tend to be impersonal/insensitive
• Appreciate excellence and seek to avoid mistakes
• Demanding of self and others
• Love planning; tend to be very future-oriented
• Generally excel at whatever they do

NT Prayer:

• NT’s are the most mystical and contemplative of all the types. They thrive on earnest, thoughtful pursuit of the good, the true, and the beautiful.
• Authors Michael and Norrisey recommend that NT’s practice “Thomistic Prayer,” which is essentially discursive meditation: taking a biblical/theological truth and “walking around in it,” studying it from every angle and contemplating its facets and implications.
• NT’s will especially thrive in the Meditatio step of Lectio Divina.

Thomistic Prayer and Spirituality
Recommended by St. Thomas Aquinas and using syllogistic methods of thinking (looking at it from every angle) and orderly progression of thought from cause to effect (rational thinking to arrive at an appropriate conclusion). NT's have a great thirst for truth and for the freedom that flows from knowing truth. They desire to comprehend, explain, predict and control. The tend to be leaders, and also tend to pursue perfection and see stupidity and incompetence as the worst possible faults. They can be overcritical and are often work-a-holics. They are poor losers -- very competitive. They tend to be impersonal in relationships. NT spirituality is ordered and question-oriented. May use seven auxiliary questions: "what, why, how, who, where, when, with what helps" to explore the topic.

NF Characteristics - The Idealists

• Creative
• Optimistic
• Verbal/outspoken
• Great need for self-expression
• Deep feelings; love affirmation, hate criticism
• Excel at empathy, understanding, compassion
• Natural “rescuers” of others
• Want their outer life to be totally congruent with their inner self
• Often dissatisfied with the present

NF Prayer

• NF’s must experience personal relationship with God. They are always looking for deeper meaning, insight, significance. Journaling is often key to the prayer life of an NF: they tend to pray best “at the point of a pen.”
• Michael and Norrisey recommend that NF’s practice “Augustinian Prayer,” or transposition: imagining the words of Scripture as if God is speaking them directly to me, right now, in my current situation.
• NF’s will tend to thrive in the Oratio and Contemplatio steps of Lectio Divina.

Augustinian Prayer and Spirituality
Named in honor of St. Augustine -- who developed rules of spirituality for the monks and convents in North Africa. The key word is projection, using creative imagination to transpose and apply Scripture to today's situation. Especially used by NF's who are usually creative, optimistic, verbal, persuasive, outspoken, writers and speakers; good listeners, counselors, conflict resolvers and peacemakers. Handling negative criticism is difficult for NFs, but they blossom under affirmation. Visionaries. Prayer is a discourse between God and the self.

SJ Characteristics - The Guardians

• Deep sense of obligation
• Want to feel useful – givers, not receivers
• Very practical, common-sense
• Strong work ethic
• Value tradition, authority, structure
• Conservative and stabilizing
• Guardians of the values
• Tendency toward pessimism

SJ Prayer

• SJ’s prefer regimen and routine, so liturgy is especially helpful and meaningful to them. They enjoy a sense of connection with history and with the past. Prayer books and tools will be especially helpful to them.
• Michael and Norrisey recommend “Ignatian Prayer” for SJ’s: becoming part of the biblical scene through imagination. For instance, as you read of the crucifixion of Jesus, you imagine what it would be like to stand there in the crowd; as you read of the Exodus, you imagine what it would be like to be one of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea.
• SJ’s will thrive most fully in the Lectio phase of Lectio Divina.

Ignatian Prayer and Spirituality
This way of praying was used by Israel 1000 years before Christ. In remembering a salvation event, the people relive, participate in, and symbolically make past events real. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order, developed this method in the 4th century AD. Casting oneself back into the events of the past, one imagines the scene through all five senses, making the story real and present and becoming part of it. It's important to draw some practical fruit. They have a strong sense of duty, and a good imagination. They tend to be pessimistic.

SP Characteristics - The Artisans

• Impulsive
• Dislike rules and structure
• Action-driven, crisis-oriented
• Flexible, adaptable
• Live in the present, love the “new thing”
• Cheerful, witty, charming
• Good entertainers
• Thrive on risk and challenge
• Best at short-range projects; dislike long-term planning

SP Prayer

• SP’s have the least need for long periods of formal prayer. They tend excel at “practicing the presence of God” – experiencing God’s presence in the events of every day. Because SP’s are very sensory, being out in nature is key to experiencing communion with God.
• Michael and Norrisey recommend “Franciscan Prayer” for SP’s: spontaneous, free-flowing, active prayer that emphasizes tangible acts of service and devotion. They embody prayer in all they do. Doing good deeds for others or giving gifts to others are prayerful, devotional activities for SP’s – more than all the other types, “their work is their prayer.”
• SP’s will thrive most fully in the Oratio phase of Lectio Divina

Fransiscan Prayer and Spirituality
St. Francis introduced this type in the 13th century. It is characterized by an attitude of openness and willingness to go where the Spirit calls. SP's are impulsive free spirits, often witty and charming. They love action and work best in a crisis. They are good at unsnarling messes, making them good negotiators and diplomats. They tend to be flexible and open-minded, living in the present. They are best at short-range projects, because they need to see results. Centering life in God. Creation is a Bible – every sense is impressionable; Gospels are appealing as another example of the incarnation of God in creation. Appreciate the grand gesture, and given to just behavior. Although very sacrificial, SP's don't respond well to the symbolic. They usually dislike formal prayer, preferring spontaneous, impulsive prayer or seeing work, celebration, or enjoying nature, etc. as prayer.

End notes
[1] A helpful book in this area is "Prayer and Temperament: Different Prayer Forms for Different Personality Types by Michael and Norrisey"
[2]Kaplan, R.M., & Saccuzzo, D.P. Psychological testing: Principle, applications, and issues. (Belmont, CA: Wadsworth 2009) p. 499

Suggested readings
Harbaugh, Gary L. God's Gifted People (Augsburg, 1990).
Keirsey, David and Marilyn Bates. Please Understand Me (Gnosology Books, 1984).
Michael, Chester P. and Marie C. Nor-risey. Prayer and Temperament (The Open Door, 1984).
Oswald, Roy M. and Otto Kroeger. Personality Type and Religious Leadership (Alban Institute, 1988).





In Him
J. Dawson Jarrell

Easter reflection

I love this Easter reflection. It is written as if Christ is speaking. Its authorship is unknown but it was first used by Lactantius in an Easter service. Some clam it is the work of a desert monk, others a 2nd century prophetic voice, some retain Lactantius as the author. Debates over its authorship pales in comparison to it's power and ability to transport the reader to the foot of the cross. Enjoy, He is risen.


"Does it please you to go through all of My pain and to experience grief with Me? Then consider the plots against Me and the irreverent price of My innocent blood. Consider the disciple’s pretended kisses, the crowd’s insults and abuse, and, even more, the mocking blows and accusing tongues. Imagine the false witness, Pilate’s cursed judgment, the immense cross pressed on My shoulders and tired back, and My painful steps to a dreadful death. Study Me from head to foot. I am deserted and lifted high up above My beloved mother. See My hair clotted with blood, and My head encircled with cruel thorns. For a stream of blood is pouring down like rain on all sides of My Divine face. Observe My sunken, sightless eyes and My beaten cheeks. See My parched tongue that was poisoned with gall. My face is pale with death.
Look at My hands that have been pierced with nails and My drawn-out arms. See the great wound in My side and the blood streaming from it. Imagine My pierced feet and blood-stained limbs. Then bow, and with weeping adore the wood of the cross. With a humble face, stoop to the earth that is wet with innocent blood. Sprinkle it with tears, and carry Me and My encouragement in your devoted heart." [1]

Isaiah 53:4-5

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.


[1] Poem on the Passion of the Lord, Lactantius 2nd century

[2] Lactantius was an early Christian author during the time of Constantine.


In Him
J. Dawson Jarrell

Yes, i am a hopeless romantic.

When a man proposes to a women it is an extension of his very being. Like a diary of his heart it tell of his love, his heart and his consideration. In my estimation, it is up their as one of the most courageous act in a man's life. In an act contrary to instinct, he is open to rejection, and walking into breathless moments, full of risk and reward.
I have to admit I had it easy, my now wife just wanted it private and simple. One ring and One personal touch (Will you marry me? on a Scrabble broad. her favorite game).  I am a do it big guy so doing it small was just because I love her thing.

Anyway, I was on YouTube and found some video proposals. They are great, below are my favorite. The first  made me cry.. Ok, they all did.. Enjoy..





If your a movie lover you will enjoy the one below.





This one made me want to dance! Back in the day, I could do that stuff.. (i have wittnesses)

Private joke, wedding songs, and little sisters in the faith.

Their is a private joke, my wife and I share about my song choice at our wedding. The song was, "Blessed be your name" by Matt Redman. If you don't know the song it is taken from Job 2 and is about Praising God in the good and hard times. Kind of an odd song for a wedding but it was the song, I first saw her earnestly worship through and the moment I knew I wanted to marry her. Not to mention, how it incapsulates my theology of marriage in a beautiful God centered way. Here is a sample.

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

The bridge is particularly powerful.

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Now, back to our private joke. A few months after the wedding, Emily had complications from a surgery and I almost lost her. After a long hospital stay and many months of recovery, I am happy to say she is well. Now every time we hear that song she looks at me, i look at her and we chuckle because we had no idea what we were asking God to make of our marriage. Sometimes, one of us will jokingly whisper, "we should have chosen a "bless me, bless me" song." We may not get to be parents in any traditional since (there is still a chance) but no matter what comes we know we want our marriage to sing, "blessed be the name of the Lord"

Today I watched a video testimonial from Desiring God. The video is below. It tells the story of a marriage that glorifies God in revealing God to be the true satisfaction of our souls. It is a story that passionately sings "Blessed be the name of the Lord". It resounds with such delight you can almost hear the harmony of heaven in the testimony of one momentary marriage.

I was humbled and brought to tearful worship by the story. I felt a kind of honor for the wife. I felt a "family pride" like an older brother watching his little sister "do it right" in wholehaertedly honnoring our heavenly Father.

The little momentary problems Emily and I have experienced were placed in perspective by this video. Marriage can be hard but hope can be stronger. Marriage can be difficult but God can be your delight in the middle of it. I hope it lifts you to worship like it lifted me.